Leeds United's winless run extended to six matches after a goalless draw with Brentford at Elland Road, leaving them just four points above the relegation zone. The match, moved to an 8pm Saturday slot for television, failed to deliver entertainment, with few clear chances and a lack of quality on display.
Daniel Farke, the Leeds manager, insisted he was not alarmed by the team's poor form. 'A relegation battle is a battle. It is not like an easy cruise to the promised land. I expected a tough, tough season where we have to fight to the end in order to keep our chances. We are right now at 33 points, which is quite good,' he said.
Leeds have now failed to score in four consecutive games, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, fresh from an England call-up, unable to add to his 11 goals this season. His flicked cross was cleared by Michael Kayode, who also dealt with Brentford's long throws. The visitors, missing several key players, were content with a point that keeps them in the hunt for European football.
Brentford assistant Keith Andrews praised his side's effort: 'Hard-earned, hard-fought. A proper game of football, as I think most people would have anticipated with the way the two teams play and what was at stake. I'm very proud of what the players produced.'
Leeds face relegation rivals Wolves and Burnley at home in their next two matches, and will need to improve significantly to secure the points needed to avoid the drop.
